plate no. 8724

Elizabeth with Hens under an Apple Tree

Paula Modersohn-Becker, 1902

oil, boardExpressionismgenre paintingtreefigurechickenslandscapefoliagesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose brushwork and capturing the essence of a scene rather than precise details. It also provides practice in mixing muted colors and creating a sense of depth with simplified forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, including the tree, figure, and chickens.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, ground, and tree foliage.
step 03
Add darker values to define the tree trunk and branches.
step 04
Paint the figure with simple shapes, focusing on the overall form.
step 05
Add the chickens, using dark colors and quick brushstrokes.
step 06
Introduce lighter values to create highlights on the figure, tree, and ground.
step 07
Refine the details of the foliage and add small touches of color.
step 08
Review and adjust values and colors to achieve the desired mood.

color palette

primary · dark green · white · brown · yellow ochre

secondary · pink · red · black · light green

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, dark green, and a touch of brown or black. Achieve the muted sky color by mixing white with a small amount of yellow ochre and pink.

techniques